How Do Raccoons Enter Attics?

Our Bethesda raccoon removal specialists have removed numerous raccoons from attic spaces in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Annapolis and throughout Maryland. And no matter where you live, we’ve noticed that raccoons usually use the same strategy for getting inside your attic.

Take a Look at This Bethesda Home

A raccoon climbed up the downspout on this Bethesda home to access the roof. Once on the roof, he began to investigate and discovered a vulnerable part of the soffit where he ripped off a section of rotted wood to gain entry into the attic, as seen on this photo.

Raccoons prefer to den high up off the ground to avoid falling prey to predators. Once the raccoon has access to the roof, he will start investigating and looking for pre-existing holes and entry points, including gable vents and attic fan outlets that don’t have covers. This investigation involves sniffing the roof for prey, predators and air movement coming out of gaps around the roof. If a raccoon cannot find a pre-existing entry point, he will make one by ripping a hole in the roof, soffit, dormer pockets or weak vent guards. Raccoons also feel around the roof for gaps and openings just large enough for them to get their front paws in, so they can rip open a hole in weak or rotten wood.

After the raccoon rips open an entry point, the attic becomes “home, sweet home.” Most homeowners discover that there is a raccoon living in the atticof their Bethesda home after they hear loud stomping noises coming from the ceiling. The longer the raccoon dens in the attic, the more he will defecate and urinate all over the attic insulation.

It’s important to have the raccoon or raccoons trapped and removed as soon as possible to minimize the damage repair cost. If you have a raccoon problem, contact our Bethesda raccoon removal professionals online or by calling us at 240-599-6815.